Paulsen making positive first impressions with Rockies

First baseman has made most of his major league debut

Rockies first baseman Ben Paulsen, front, has impressed during his first season at the big league level. (/ Associated Press)

It's an easy drive from Colorado Springs to Denver. Zip onto Interstate 25, and, barring a traffic jam, you arrive in less than 90 minutes.

But for Rockies first base prospect Ben Paulsen, that highway sometimes looked endless, the roadblocks to Coors Field imposing.

Todd Helton, a possible future Hall of Famer, retired at the end of last season, perhaps freeing up a spot for Paulsen. But then the Rockies signed Justin Morneau, the former Minnesota Twins star and 2006 American League MVP, to a two-year, $12.5 million contract during the offseason.

Clearly, the Rockies didn't believe the 26-year-old Paulsen was big league ready, even though the 2009 third-round draft choice out of Clemson had spent five years climbing the minor league ladder. When he reported for spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona, he wasn't even on the 40-man roster.

"When Benny signed, his timetable to get to the big leagues was a little different than it's actually (been)," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He was behind a legend at first base, and then Todd retires and he's still off the roster in Triple-A. That's tough to deal with when you're a young player. But he put his head down and he's had a great season. He's had a tremendous attitude."

When Monreau was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of a strained neck, Paulsen finally got the call. He started at first against the Washington Nationals and batted sixth. In his first at-bat, he lined a single to left in the second inning. He enters today's game against the Pirates with three starts, a .455 average (5-for-11), a double and two RBIs. He's also shown some nimbleness at first base.

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"You always want to make sure you're ready," he said. "I think I have been ready for a while, but I needed to learn how to go about the game and how to be a professional. Now it shows. That's why it feels so good to be here."

Paulsen hit .291 with 24 doubles, six triples, 15 home runs and 57 RBIs for Triple-A Colorado Springs before his promotion. He was the Sky Sox's lone representative in the Triple-A All-Star Game this season. That provided confirmation that he's begun to realize his potential.

He flashed promise at High-A Modesto in 2010, hitting .311 with 12 home runs. But his two seasons in Double-A Tulsa were trying. He hit .241 with 19 home runs in 2011 and .255 with 13 homers in 2012.

His 2013 season at Colorado Springs yielded a .295 average, 18 homers and 79 RBIs — and a confidence boost. Paulsen credits Sky Sox manager Glenallen Hill and hitting coach Dave Hajek for his maturity and a more productive approach at the plate.

"I've been working on being more patient and just trying to see more pitches in the strike zone," Paulsen said. "In the past, I struck out a lot but didn't walk that much. But this year, I've walked way more than I ever have in my career."

In 95 games with the Sky Sox this season, he walked 49 times vs. 94 strikeouts. Not great, but his .380 on-base percentage was the best of his professional career. So far, at least, Paulsen has made the most of his chance. And at a time when the Rockies are struggling and own the worst record in the National League, Paulsen's call-up has provided some fresh energy.

"I told Benny when I got here, that I get excited about all of the call-ups," Weiss said. "I don't want to ever forget how special that is. I was really excited about this one.

"These are guys that have to persevere through some things and keep their head down."

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